Evidence supporting the use of: Bilberry
For the health condition: Diabetic Retinopathy

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has a long-standing reputation in traditional European medicine for supporting eye health, particularly night vision. Its use in diabetic retinopathy, however, is based more recently on scientific interest in its rich content of anthocyanins—antioxidant compounds that may help protect blood vessels and reduce inflammation. Several laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated that bilberry extracts can reduce oxidative stress and capillary fragility, both of which are implicated in diabetic retinopathy.

Small clinical trials and observational studies have suggested that bilberry extract may help slow the progression of retinal damage in diabetes by improving microcirculation and reinforcing capillary walls. However, these studies are generally of low methodological quality, with small sample sizes and inconsistent dosing. A few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted, but results are mixed and often lack statistical power. No large-scale, high-quality RCTs have definitively proven bilberry’s efficacy for diabetic retinopathy.

In summary, while there is some scientific evidence (mainly from preclinical and small human studies) to support bilberry’s use in diabetic retinopathy, the evidence is not robust. Major medical organizations do not currently recommend bilberry as a primary or adjunctive treatment for this condition. Its use remains popular due to promising mechanisms and anecdotal benefit, but patients should be advised that scientific validation is limited and standard medical management should not be replaced by bilberry supplementation.

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